GRIEVING families have been forced to travel across south Essex for funerals as Southend Crematorium is only allowing 30 people to attend, despite lockdown being eased.

Under new government guidance, venues can now decide how many people can attend funeral services depending on its size.

However, Southend Crematorium refused to increase their capacity for mourners, which has left some furious.

Verina Weaver 64, from Eastwood, said: “I feel really strongly about it.

“I think it’s massively important. People are now going to Pitsea because they’re allowing more people. You shouldn’t have to make that decision to travel just so more people can be there.

“My heart goes out to people who have lost someone during the pandemic and haven’t had the opportunity to mourn with family and friends. Now the opportunity is there, they should get it.”

Read more: 

Trees fall onto cars and block roads after high winds batter the county

'There'll be tears when we shut': Wimpy set to close after three decades

Verina had also had the support of MP Sir David Amess, who has written to the council. He said: “In the light of the May 17 easing of restrictions, I very much want this matter to be looked at again.”

Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “We understand the sensitivity and the challenges for those mourning lost ones throughout the pandemic which have been unprecedented.

“Our staff want to give families and mourners as much assistance as they can, which is why we have created the outdoor space to accommodate an additional 15 people for services which means alongside the 30 people that can be inside the Chapel, we can accommodate a total of 45 people.

“The guidance on social distancing is not an either/or, but states that where possible, 2m social distancing applies.”